WITH Australian star Ian Harvey in the ranks as professional, Middleton travelled to face Norden last Saturday feeling both confident and upbeat.

But they ran into old foe Asif Mujtaba whose three wickets and unbeaten half century were the main stumbling blocks in an eight-wicket defeat for the men from Towncroft.

Skipper John Punchard won the toss and elected to bat on what seemed a decent enough wicket despite the recent dampness.

His decision paid off as Middleton got off to a good start, Scott Stanworth continuing his impressive start to the campaign and Steve Davey looking his usual competent self against the new ball.

Stanworth, in particular, was eye-catching, driving and cutting deliveries from Hamid Hassan who is known as the "Afghan Express."

Middleton reached 38 in seven overs before Mujtaba was introduced to the Norden attack, and he quickly accounted for Davey with a delivery that kept unluckly low for the big left-hander.

Harvey began his innings with a drive for four through the covers, and he also hit a six of Hassan, but the professional didn't seem comfortable and he departed soon after when he tried to repeat his six hit and only put the ball down the throat of Simon North at mid on.

Jimmy Ryan began confidently by smashing one of Paull Carroll's off-breaks for six, but he then hit the ball straight to Greg Tattersall at mid-on who held onto the catch after a bit of juggling.

Ryan's dismissal for eight triggered a slow decline for the Moonrakers, and only 75 runs came in the remaining 25 overs for the loss of all the remaining wickets.

Scott Stanworth played brilliantly and patiently for his well made 71 before he went in the penultimate over trying to force the issue.

Norden's reply started with Carroll despatching the first ball for four, but Nick Death struck back next ball by removing the off stump with a slight inswinging delivery.

Mujtaba and Simon North then pushed the score along, but with 62 on the board North was clean bowled by Tom Read.

That was the end of Middleton's glory for the day as Mujtaba pressed on to an unbeaten 181 and Nick Brierley made a fluent 55 not out.

Norden reached their target with 11 overs to spare.

MIDDLETON match reports are compiled by Sam Warren and can also be found on the club's website -www.middletoncc.co.uk.